Katie Daly
Updated on: October 11, 2024 2:28 am GMT
Cleaning influencer Sophie Hinchcliffe, known as Mrs. Hinch, recently opened up about her ongoing struggle with grief following the death of her father, Alan, earlier this year. In a heartfelt video shared on social media, Mrs. Hinch, 34, expressed her emotional turmoil, reaching out to her 4.8 million Instagram followers for advice on coping with the loss.
Emotional Appeal for Support
On Friday, Mrs. Hinch was visibly emotional as she addressed her followers, revealing that she has faced significant challenges since her father’s passing. She admitted to needing a tissue to dry her tears during the candid moment. “I thought I was doing alright or managing a bit yesterday,” she said, reflecting on her recent experience with grief. “And then I had a dream last night… I don’t understand how we have this grief that is with us all the time but when you try and do better, you’re sort of knocked back on the floor again.” Her plea for support resonated with many, emphasizing the reality of navigating grief.
Her Father’s Sudden Passing
Alan Hinchcliffe passed away in April, a loss that profoundly affected Sophie and her family. She announced his death on Instagram in May, sharing the news that he “passed suddenly but so peacefully whilst he slept.” In her post, she described the overwhelming nature of her grief, stating, “My life, our whole world, has been turned upside down. A deep unimaginable pain I cannot put into words.” This heartfelt message illustrated the depth of her sorrow and the impact of her father’s absence.
Returning to Social Media
Mrs. Hinch took a hiatus from social media following her father’s death, but returned to discuss her grief with her followers only last month. In her stories, she described grief as an “out of body experience,” where “the world looks different, feels different, smells different.” This vivid description highlighted how loss can alter one’s perception of reality.
A Shared Passion for DIY
The bond between Sophie and her father was strengthened through their shared passion for DIY projects. As a child, she often watched “New Yankees Workshop” with Alan, dreaming of creating a workshop together. After moving to a new home in 2021, Mrs. Hinch surprised her father with a dedicated workshop space and tools after he retired—a long-held dream of his. She remarked that this workshop represented the “most emotional part of the house,” where they envisioned completing projects together.
Creating Lasting Memories
In a post from 2022, she expressed her pride in her father, sharing a photo of the workshop’s front door and writing, “The start of many projects together in Grandad’s workshop!” Sophie also ordered her father’s favorite tools and shared her excitement about upcycling and collaborating on various projects. The workshop was a place of joy and creativity for both, reflecting their close relationship.
In Memory of Her Father
In a poignant gesture to honor her father’s memory, Mrs. Hinch got a tattoo in August featuring his handwriting. This marked another step in her healing process as she faced the reality of her loss. She shared photos on social media, including one with her two children, expressing the challenge of explaining their grandfather’s absence. “Explaining to your children, that their loved one is never coming back, is by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life,” she wrote in her caption. This statement illustrated both her personal struggle and the universal challenge of dealing with grief within a family context.
Finding Strength Amidst Grief
Despite her ongoing heartache, Mrs. Hinch conveyed a message of resilience. She touched on the difficult balance parents must strike while grieving, stating, “Life has certainly changed forever but as parents we find that fight to get up, to walk, talk and just try to smile through the rollercoaster that is grief.” This acknowledgment of her journey resonates with many, as it highlights the complexities of handling loss while maintaining a semblance of normalcy for the sake of children.
Connecting with her Followers
Sophie’s candid sharing of her experiences has fostered connection and support among her followers. Many individuals who have faced similar losses resonated with her heartfelt messages, leading to an outpouring of sympathy and advice. This engagement underscores the importance of community during challenging times and the role social media plays in providing a platform for shared experiences.
The Importance of Support Networks
Mrs. Hinch’s plea for advice on managing grief reflects a broader need for support in such difficult times. Many individuals struggle with feelings of isolation while navigating their emotional responses to loss, and seeking counsel from others can often provide comfort and understanding. As more people come forward to share their stories, it fosters a sense of belonging and validation, showing that no one has to face their grief alone.
Mrs. Hinch is sharing her feelings as she goes through her journey of grief. By talking about her struggles, she helps others who might feel the same way. Her story shows that everyone experiences grief differently, and that’s okay. When we lose someone, it’s important to have kindness, support, and a sense of community to help us through the tough times.
